Wekiva River Kayaking Tour: A Detailed Review

Okay, so, you’re looking at a kayaking trip down the Wekiva River, huh? As a matter of fact, this isn’t just any old paddle; it’s a chance to witness some beautiful Florida wildlife and a rather unique ecosystem up close. Very, very close, actually! You, like your typical traveler or nature fan, might be wanting something more than just a rental and a splash. Basically, I’m hoping to paint a nice, accurate picture of the Wekiva Wildlife Kayaking Adventure Tour for you. Anyway, I mean this way, you will be prepared and ready for anything. So, in short, this review helps you decide if it is a match for your outdoorsy aspirations.

What Makes the Wekiva River so very Special?

Well, first of all, the Wekiva River isn’t just any river; rather, it’s a designated Florida State Canoe Trail and an Outstanding Florida Waterway. Naturally, this area is seriously special and super well protected. That is that the water starts crystal clear from the Wekiva Springs and flows through an ever so amazing subtropical landscape. So, think about that for a sec. Then imagine you seeing cypress trees dripping with Spanish moss and really lush greenery just lining your path. More or less, you have yourself the perfect place for an enchanting paddle. I mean the whole area’s got this, well, almost prehistoric feel. Basically, it will make you feel far removed from the day to day of regular life.

Choosing the Right Tour kind of For You

Now, clearly there are some options for doing this kayaking gig; right? I mean you can, of course, go full DIY and rent a kayak. I am talking just from a local outfitter and head out on your own. Yet, a guided tour actually takes things up a level; you know? So, with the tour, in a way you have knowledgeable guides who, for example, point out wildlife you would have probably missed. Also, basically they will tell stories of the river’s natural history and it will enrich your trip more. By the way, a few companies that offer these tours are different, though. So, it’s always a good idea to see which one, very like your specific style of adventure.

Things To Check About a Kayak Tour Provider

Group Size: As a matter of fact some want small, rather private-feeling excursions. Although others may not mind being part of a larger group. So, know yourself.
Tour Duration: More or less are you wanting a relaxed two-hour jaunt, maybe an entire day out there? Then check your schedule and fitness level and see how much you want to spend.
What is Included: Make certain what you are paying for! Basically, I’m talking about whether they supply the gear, any drinks and snacks. Do they have anything relating to photography options?

Wildlife Encounters on the Wekiva River

Clearly this is actually what you are coming to see, right? Frankly, the wildlife on the Wekiva is spectacular and you need to pay attention. So, imagine your paddling along, maybe enjoying the calmness. Alright, and then suddenly there’s an alligator sunning itself on the riverbank. Also, just keep a respectable distance. As a matter of fact, you will also get to see turtles, tons of cool birds such as herons and egrets, and the occasional river otter playfully zipping by. Basically, if you are extremely lucky, I’m talking really, then you might catch a glance of a Florida black bear. Obviously, they have been known to frequent the area.

Tips to see the Wildlife

Go Early: More or less, wildlife is typically most active in the mornings and in the late afternoon. Then this is whenever the temperature is also milder.
Be Silent: Noise will scare the wildlife. Although keep voices low and try and limit the amount of splashing you do with your paddle. You will see more.
Look closely: Bring a pair of binoculars; in other words you can scan those trees and banks a little easier. Keep a nice distance from alligators, too!

What To Carry on Your Kayaking Trip

I mean preparation can sort of make or break your trip; right? So, here’s a little, useful checklist: you know for maximizing both comfort and enjoyment: As a matter of fact, this gear will help make sure you’ve got an amazing trip!

Sun Protection: That means sunscreen, alright? So I’m talking hats, sunglasses, and potentially even long-sleeved shirts. Well, clearly, Florida’s sun is nothing to mess with!
Water and Snacks: Alright so kayaking is work, but you also have to hydrate, too. As a matter of fact, bring a good amount of water. Clearly, little snacks keep energy levels consistent.
Waterproof Bag: You would think your electronics, cameras, phones, etc., would be completely dry. But, you need to ensure everything stays dry; in other words from splashes or the random rainstorm.
Bug Spray: Mosquitoes could be very active and ready; like around dusk. Although it’s a decent idea to keep them at bay with a little repellent.
Comfortable Clothes: So wear things that dry kind of quickly, that you will not mind getting a little wet. Basically, avoid cotton if possible. Actually it tends to stay damp for far too long.

Photographing the Wekiva River

Basically for those wanting to capture a nice memory: I mean Wekiva offers some really superb opportunities for photography; right? Clearly that is just from capturing expansive natural beauty or extremely detailed wildlife shots. As a matter of fact, planning will help you to capture some memories.

Some tips for nature photos:

Invest in a waterproof camera or case: First of all accidents happen, and you definitely don’t want to be that guy to sink a very pricey camera.
Take Extra Batteries: Then again there’s nothing worse than getting the shot then noticing the camera is already dead! You know what I mean?
Be Patient: Clearly wildlife photography needs patience and waiting. Still, the payoff of getting an exceptional shot makes the effort amazing.

Respecting the Environment

Right, but this is basically the biggie; very? I mean being a mindful kayaker will help keep the Wekiva River super amazing; not only for those to experience today but very similar for the years down the road too. Obviously, some simple rules will keep the ecosystem nice!

Stay on the Water: Don’t, that is to say, paddle out into places that may disrupt vegetation or, more or less, nesting spots for various critters. That is that you really don’t want to get too close to sensitive wildlife habitat areas.
Leave No Trace: Basically, if you carry it in, basically you must pack it back out, too. So, don’t, you know, throw your trash in the river. Very? Seriously, it can spoil that beautiful wilderness for future people.
Respect the Wildlife: Clearly keep a respectable distance from any wildlife you see. So don’t chase the animals to capture the perfect shot, ok? They might get stressed out if you do that. I mean who are you to cause some serious issues!

Final Thoughts kind of On Your Wekiva River Kayak Trip

So, it’s almost this kayaking trip isn’t just a paddling thing, very? Also it will be, by the way, an opportunity, very, to sort of connect with Florida’s superb nature; you know? That is that whether you are a hardcore nature fan or someone in search of a rather unique adventure: As a matter of fact, the Wekiva River offers it to anyone that really goes and actually visits. Obviously this makes it unforgettable.

Quick takeaways:

Choose the tour to best match you and your personal needs.
Come fully prepared for the heat and any bugs, like!
Understand the necessity for acting responsible, I mean towards this natural area, of course.

By the way, by minding a little of this stuff that was stated earlier, clearly you could look very, very, very forward to something very unique and fulfilling in its natural side!

Hopefully, the insights and tips could provide the details for some trip that could be a very treasured part of someone’s story.

Now you should understand what you may see on your journey, so that should increase any level of enjoyment, actually.

This will give a bit of security in planning, making the best match to what you actually may be interested in.

As the ecosystem around the park has multiple sides, that should be carefully observed for how wonderful the experience is when you become part of it.